Some of our favorite television shows of all time are about families. Did you watch Father Knows Best? Leave it to Beaver? The Brady Bunch? When Michelle and I were young parents, we loved Parenthood about the Braverman family, led by parents Zeke and Camille and their four adult children and many grandkids, who allContinue reading “Is the breakdown of the family the cause of societal collapse? – Relationships: Family, Part 1”
Tag Archives: god
What is family? – Relationships: Family, Preview
My family has changed a lot over the last 6-7 years. For a long time we were six. Two parents, and four kids. Then our older boys went to college, and our home had five, then four people. Then those boys got married. Though they left the house and started families with our daughter-in-laws, andContinue reading “What is family? – Relationships: Family, Preview”
We can choose to have a vibrant relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 6
There is a very real sense in which our relationship with our Trinitarian God is connected to the choices we make in life. That is true for all relationships. The quality of the relationship is connected to the choices we make. For example, we grow a closer relationship with God when we choose to followContinue reading “We can choose to have a vibrant relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 6”
You can have a relationship with the Holy Spirit – Relationships: God, Part 5
In the previous posts, here and here, we’ve been talking about how we have a relationship with God, expressed in the three persons of the Trinity. So how do we have a relationship with God the Spirit? We read about the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and the rest of the NewContinue reading “You can have a relationship with the Holy Spirit – Relationships: God, Part 5”
You can have a relationship with Jesus – Relationships: God, Part 4
In the New Testament we meet God the Son, Jesus. Jesus is unique in the persons of the Trinity because of something called incarnation. Incarnation refers to the idea that Jesus came in the flesh. Jesus took on a human body. For 33 years he lived as a human. When you think about your relationshipContinue reading “You can have a relationship with Jesus – Relationships: God, Part 4”
You can have a relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 3
What does it mean for you and I to have a relationship with God the Father (or Mother if you prefer, see here and here, or perhaps you view the Lord as the Almighty one)? In the Old Testament God the Father is the person of Trinity we most often read about. God the SpiritContinue reading “You can have a relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 3”
Some difficulties of having a relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 2
In one of the premarital counseling workbooks that Michelle and I use with engaged couples, the authors ask a question at the end of nearly every chapter. Whether they are talking about love or finances or in-laws or communication, they ask the same question: “How will the presence of Jesus help you in this areaContinue reading “Some difficulties of having a relationship with God – Relationships: God, Part 2”
God only speaks through the Bible? – Relationships: God, Part 1
Usually once or twice each year, I teach a course as an adjunct professor for Lancaster Bible College. This fall I’m teaching a theology course that I have never taught before. To prepare I’ve been reading the textbooks, and the first book got under my skin. I have no problem with about two-thirds of theContinue reading “God only speaks through the Bible? – Relationships: God, Part 1”
Relationships: Series Preview
Who are your closest relationships? Think about the top five to ten people who are your best friends. When I mention the category “friends,” that list could also include family members. Sometimes we have the distinct pleasure of being friends with our family. Michelle and I have thoroughly enjoyed the transition from being parents ofContinue reading “Relationships: Series Preview”
Your lawn matters to your community – Current Events: A Theology of Lawn Care, Part 4
A second way that The Great American Lawn is theologically instructive for Christians is related to community. While a property owner does have individual say over the state of their lawn, they are also part of a community. We Christians are right to see ourselves as part of a community. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, PaulContinue reading “Your lawn matters to your community – Current Events: A Theology of Lawn Care, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 